Fruit

New federal standards launched in 2012 that require schools to offer healthier meals have led to increased fruit and vegetable consumption, according to a new study. The study, the first to examine school food consumption both before and after the standards went into effect, contradicts criticisms that the new standards have increased food waste. “There is a push from some organizations and lawmakers to weaken the new standards. We hope the findings, which show that students are consuming more fruits and vegetables, will discourage those efforts,” said the lead author.

Pregnant women who eat a ‘prudent’ diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains and who drink water have a significantly reduced risk of preterm delivery, suggests a study. A “traditional” dietary pattern of boiled potatoes, fish and cooked vegetables was also linked to a significantly lower risk. Although these findings cannot establish causality, they support dietary advice to pregnant women to eat a balanced diet including vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and fish and to drink water.

Juniper berries grow from shrubs in various parts of the world including Asia, Europe and North America. There are many different kinds of juniper berries but the most common one to North Americans is known as juniperus communis. The berries’ popularity has primarily come from the fact that they’ve been added to gin in order to enhance its flavor, but as the years have gone by, many interesting health benefits have also gotten well deserved attention.

Mono-fruiting, or eating one type of fruit without introducing any other fruits or foods in the mix for long periods of time, is a common dietary lifestyle for many people. Just go online and it’s clear that a lot of people are living life in mono-fruit land, preparing mono meals, taking trips to “Banana Island” (metaphorically speaking) and buying their fruit of choice in bulk.

Natural Health Solutions says new research confirms the benefits of its BergaMet supplement, a highly concentrated extract of the Calabrian bergamot fruit, has benefits for consumers who show signs of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

If you live in Latin America, or a semi-arid region of the United States, a wild superfood may be ripe for the picking in your own backyard. Known as prickly pear cactus (Opuntia spp), the leaves and fruit of this desert plant can be harvested and consumed to treat a variety of conditions — including diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease and inflammation.

High prices for fresh fruits and vegetables are associated with higher Body Mass Index (BMI) in young children in low- and middle-income households, according to American University researchers in the journal Pediatrics.

High prices for fresh fruits and vegetables are associated with higher Body Mass Index in young children in low- and middle-income households, according new research. Research showed that when the prices of fruits and vegetables go up, families may buy less of them and substitute cheaper foods that may not be as healthy and have more calories. The study also identified a small association between higher-priced soft drinks and a lower likelihood of obesity among young children.

According to a report in Advances in Nutrition, a journal published by the American Society for Nutrition, it’s high time that we take a closer look at the health benefits of pale produce, not just colorful ones. The report, “White Vegetables: A Forgotten Source of Nutrients,” outlines the benefits of pale produce and suggests that Americans consider incorporating more of them in their diets to obtain the nutrients that are often overlooked in favor of foods that have deeper hues.